Dodge Is Now Offering Durango Pursuit Model For Law Enforcement:
HEMI Power, AWD and Pursuit Rating
Since the launch of the current generation of Durango, Dodge has offered law enforcement an option for a Special Service Vehicle or SSV option to law enforcement fleets. While not Pursuit rated, the Durango SSV was purchased by a handful of agency fleets as a vehicle for parking enforcement, small rural town police duties or something that the fire chief might drive on his daily rounds.
On the other side of the equation, the Dodge Charger model has become the #1 selling law enforcement sedan on the market. Thanks to its wide range of options such as V6 and V8 power, RWD and AWD offerings and being pursuit rated.
Now the law enforcement market, like the civilian car market has switched to SUVs. When Ford discontinued the Crown Victoria in 2011, it created a pair of law enforcement vehicles which it dubbed the Interceptor lineup. There was the Interceptor Sedan (Ford Taurus) and the Interceptor SUV (Ford Explorer). While the Ford Interceptor Sedan was a hot seller to agencies its first two years on the market, sales started to drop steadily after. Agencies slow started purchasing the Police Interceptor SUV due to the fact there was more room for all the necessary gear that officers have to have to carry, as well as offering officers a higher seat position to see their surroundings.
Since 2013, the Interceptor SUV outsells the Sedan version almost 5 to 1. The Interceptor SUV is the best selling police vehicle on the market today. Holding the second position is the Dodge Charger. Even GM’s Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) is selling even better than it has in decades as departments switch to SUVs.
With Ford recently announcing that it will be ending production of most it’s car lineup in the North American market including the Ford Interceptor Sedan and introducing a F-150 Pursuit rated model last year, Dodge has finally taken notice of what law enforcement wants. Dodge took a prototype Durango Pursuit model to the annual Michigan State Police vehicle evaluation this year, to get feed back.
“Unofficial testing results at the Michigan State Police 2018 model-year vehicle evaluation event created such a stir among law enforcement agencies that we simply had to find a way to build this vehicle,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT – FCA North America. “The Dodge Durango is already known as the Charger of SUVs, so it is only natural that the new Durango Pursuit complements the Charger Pursuit in police fleets across the country.”
The 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit is powered by the legendary 5.7L HEMI® V8, coupled with a full-time, active all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This is the same powertrain combination most commonly deployed in the Dodge Charger Pursuit, the top-selling police sedan in the U.S. market. The Durango Pursuit also offers a two-speed transfer case for true low-range off-road capability and incorporates larger, heavy-duty anti-lock brakes that deliver a 60-0 mile per hour (mph) stopping distance of 134 feet.
Other notable standard features of the 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit include:
- 5.7L V8 HEMI with Fuel Saver Technology delivers best-in-class horsepower (360) and torque (390 lb.-ft.)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission delivers quick shifts and improved fuel economy
- Rear-wheel-drive-based drivetrain is the foundation for Durango’s outstanding on-road driving performance. Standard AWD further enhances driver confidence by leveraging the SUV’s 50/50 weight distribution
- Segment’s longest wheelbase (119.8 inches) provides added stability and improved handling
- Best-in-class 7,200 lb. towing capability
- 8.1 inches of ground clearance
- ParkView® rear backup camera with ParkSense® alert
- Eight-way power adjusting driver seat controls
- Air conditioning with air filtration
- Under-vehicle mount for spare tire, maximizing interior cargo space and accessibility
- Class-exclusive, K-9 friendly Tri-Zone interior temperature control
- Trailer sway control
- Spot lamp wiring prep package
- 220-amp alternator
- 800 cold cranking amp (CCA) battery
- Heavy-duty oil cooler and water pump
- Power locking fuel filler door
Dodge is currently saying that the 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit is available for only a limited time, but we are pretty sure they mean with it being over halfway through the model year. There is no doubt in our mind that the Durango Pursuit is here to stay.
Editor’s Note: Since this morning, Dodge has teased another official picture of the 2018 Dodge Durango Pursuit.
